You Asked Us

What is the difference in the
various oscillation features I see on ball machine models like the Lobster?

Older style ball machines
fired out a ball to the same spot every time. That ‘s not necessarily a bad thing but eventually
it’s going to limit how much more you can improve. Most newer ball machines on the market can
spray the ball around the court so now at least you’re seeing shots to both
your forehand and backhand side. That’s
referred to as oscillation. The best
machines on the market allow you to program in shots so that the balls are not
only from side to side but also forward and backward in the court. The Lobster can do random oscillations and pre
programmed oscillations for drills. The
number of different ways a machine can be programmed to oscillate determines
the price of the machine.

How important is it that a
machine can deliver the ball at different speeds and with either topspin or
backspin?

Think about the various
opponents you’ve come across. Some hit
just about everything with backspin, which makes the ball stay lower off the bounce.

Other players hit with a high
degree of topspin, which means the ball is not only dipping down quickly after
it crosses the net but it also speeds up and can bounce quite high because of the
topspin. Both these types of spins create
real havoc for your timing. It would
make sense to be prepared for both types of shots by finding a machine that can
simulate those spins.

As far as speed goes,
everything changes when the ball is hit faster. Your timing is the biggest challenge; you have
a lot of things to get ready before you make contact with the ball. Practicing at higher velocities is definitely
worth doing with a ball machine.

Do
ball machines ever jam and if so do they have to be sent back for servicing?

From time to time all ball machines
on the market can jam but it’s a simple procedure to remedy. Different types of balls or ball pressure can
cause the ball to get stuck between the throwing wheels, in the feed chute or
under the feed wheel. If this happens
the machine immediately shuts down with an error message. Each machine comes with instructions on how to
clear the ball. Ever had to unjam a photocopier?
This is similar but with a ball instead
of a piece of paper.

Am I better off to train with
a ball machine or a real partner?

That would depend on a number
of factors. How good is the partner at
providing consistent shots that allow you to really hone your strokes? How much time and energy does your partner
have available? How engaging is your
partner in providing feedback and a variety of the drills, all while motivating
you to be your best?

A ball machine is going to be
consistent and tireless with lots of variety of shots.

Do battery operated ball
machines have any issues?

Anything mechanical, whether
it’s battery operated or electrical, has the potential for something to go
wrong. That’s true for just about every
consumer product on the market and will likely never change. Ball machines are pretty reliable but when issues
do arise it’s usually something involving the wiring, the battery charger or
the battery itself. All machines come
with problem analyses guidelines. It
might be something as simple as a loose wire or a battery that’s not fully
charged. In most cases it can be easily
remedied.

If I was to train every day
and do all the drills availableon a
Lobster Ball Machine could I go on to play professionally?

That’s a difficult question
to answer. It would depend on many
factors, like your motivation and access to coaching. There are also some innate physical abilities
required. Let’s just say some of the
best tennis players have spent many hours developing their skills on the court
with the help of a ball machine. Names
like Steffi Graff and Andre Agassi come to mind.

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